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Hi hikerchick,
When I was peri-menopausal I had several periods that lasted 11 - 14 days. I would have a normal period (3-4 days of bleeding) then stop for a day, then start again for 8-10 more days. I don't know if this is "normal" but it's what I went through. This lasted a few years (not the extended periods...just from the time those started until I was into menopause).
Carla

My 56 year old sister was just diagnosed with BC for the 2nd time in 10 yrs. First time she had lumpectomy/chemo/radiation and then more chemo. Her last mammo showed small lump in same breast but different location. Also showed numerous areas of calcification throughout breast. For the life of me I can't remember what kind of cancer she had the first time but it was very aggressive but she caught it early. Same thing this time and she's HER2 positive. Within 2 wks after being diagnosed she was having a mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. She's doing fine now but she's only been out of the hospital less than a week. She helped me soooooooooooo much during my experience by sharing so much of what helped and didn't help her during her first journey. Positive note is that she got the "tummy tuck" and after 5 kids she said she really needed one. We've decided that cancer needs to go f itself and leave us alone! 'Scuse my language.

Drug or Chemo Therapy (Hormone therapy): Started Femara/Letrozole on April 14, 2012 for estrogen suppression therapy. I was diagnosed with bursitis in my knee about a week before I started the meds. But I've been having ankle, knee, and hand pain since I started on the meds. At first I thought it was just the bursitis in my left knee but the pain is also in my right knee. If I sit for awhile or I lay in one position while sleeping, then I move, I'm in pain. Both hands fall asleep during the night...and are tingly during the day. I have not spoken to my doctor about it yet. I've read that those who experience side effects with this med, have a better chance of no bc recurrence than those who don't experience side effects. The pain is tolerable for now, and the stiffness also. I have dr appt with onc on June 19th so we will gather more data until that time and then speak with doc.

Celebration (Finished treatment): Finished my last Taxotere/Cytoxan chemo treatment on 3/16/12! YAY!!!! Onc will start me on estrogen suppression therapy in about a month for the next 5 yrs. since my tumor was ER+. I hope the sumb*tch doesn't come back! Good riddance!!!

I think they all have similar side effects, but they react differently on each of us. I switched to Aromasin from Arimidex after 6 months, too much pain. I am considering trying Femara soon as pain is getting worse. But I also have fibromyalgia so it is difficult to know what is what sometimes. I hope by now you have this figured out!

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